Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been operating on generators for six days, diesel reserves uncertain

The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid for six days and backup diesel generators are supplying electricity to safety and other critical systems.

Source: Oleh Korikov, Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine and Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety

Quote from Korikov: "At present, it is not known exactly how much diesel fuel is available at the ZNPP industrial site or how long the generators can operate to keep safety systems and other critical systems running. First and foremost, this concerns the operation of cooling systems for irradiated nuclear fuel located in all six reactors and in the spent fuel pools."

Details: Korikov stressed that an emergency is likely if the Russians do not quickly restore the ZNPP's connection to the Ukrainian power grid and the diesel fuel at the site runs out. Such a situation could have radiation consequences not only for Ukraine but also for other European countries.

Background:

• At 16:56 on 23 September, the only power line through which Zaporizhzhia NPP received electricity from the Ukrainian grid was cut off. This blackout is the tenth since the plant was seized by Russian forces.
• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that the Russians are trying to enlist the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency in their attempts to take over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!